Residents on edge as Medina Lake evaporates

Updated 3:13 am, Sunday, January 6, 2013

The Medina Lake reservoir only is about 9 percent full. Businesses have shuttered, and tourists are steering clear.

The Medina Lake reservoir only is about 9 percent full. Businesses have shuttered, and tourists are steering clear.

Photo: BOB OWEN, Express-News

Image 2 of 96

As the drought persists, Texas lakes are drying up, including one of San Antonio's favorite hangouts. Click through the gallery for photos of the lake vanishing over the last few years.

As the drought persists, Texas lakes are drying up, including one of San Antonio's favorite hangouts. Click through the gallery for photos of the lake vanishing over the last few years.

Image 3 of 96

The Red Cove Marina still floats on water as Medina Lake levels continue to drop, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014.

The Red Cove Marina still floats on water as Medina Lake levels continue to drop, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014.

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

Image 4 of 96

Medina Dam is seen from Old Medina Dam Road south of the dam, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014.

Medina Dam is seen from Old Medina Dam Road south of the dam, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014.

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

Image 5 of 96

The dropping level of Medina Lake is marked on Medina Dam, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014. According to today's reading by the Texas Water Development Board, the lake is at 3.5-percent capacity.

The dropping level of Medina Lake is marked on Medina Dam, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014. According to today's reading by the Texas Water Development Board, the lake is at 3.5-percent capacity.

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

Image 6 of 96

The dropping level of Medina Lake is marked by exposed land in this view from Medina Dam, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014. According to today's reading by the Texas Water Development Board, the lake is at 3.5-percent capacity. less

The dropping level of Medina Lake is marked by exposed land in this view from Medina Dam, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014. According to today's reading by the Texas Water Development Board, the lake is at 3.5-percent ... more

Water levels sink to near the bottom of the river channel at Medina Lake on August 28, 2013.

Water levels sink to near the bottom of the river channel at Medina Lake on August 28, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

Image 13 of 96

Water levels sink to near the bottom of the river channel at Medina Lake on August 28, 2013.

Water levels sink to near the bottom of the river channel at Medina Lake on August 28, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

Image 14 of 96

Water levels sink to near the bottom of the river channel at Medina Lake on August 28, 2013. The lake currently is 4.5 percent full.

Water levels sink to near the bottom of the river channel at Medina Lake on August 28, 2013. The lake currently is 4.5 percent full.

Photo: TOM REEL, San Antonio Express-News

Image 15 of 96

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

Image 16 of 96

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

Image 17 of 96

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

Image 18 of 96

A sink hole exposed by the drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

A sink hole exposed by the drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

Image 19 of 96

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

Image 20 of 96

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

Image 21 of 96

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

Image 22 of 96

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

Image 23 of 96

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

Image 24 of 96

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

Image 25 of 96

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

Image 26 of 96

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

Image 27 of 96

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

Image 28 of 96

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

Image 29 of 96

Residents on Medina Lake use all terrain vehicles to get down to the water's edge, on Thursday, July 4, 2013. Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent full. less

Residents on Medina Lake use all terrain vehicles to get down to the water's edge, on Thursday, July 4, 2013. Drought conditions on Medina Lake, on Monday, July 1, 2013. The lake is currently at 5.2 percent ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

Image 30 of 96

A lakeside home stands far above the receding waters of Medina Lake, which has dropped to 6.5 percent of capacity on Wednesday, April 3, 2013.

A lakeside home stands far above the receding waters of Medina Lake, which has dropped to 6.5 percent of capacity on Wednesday, April 3, 2013.

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

Image 31 of 96

Randall Myers, left, of the Texas Parks and Wildlife inland fisheries division, and Chris Heyen, who runs the Red Cove Cafe & Marina at Medina Lake, explore the waters of the lake, which is only 6.5 percent full, on Wednesday, April 3, 2013. less

Randall Myers, left, of the Texas Parks and Wildlife inland fisheries division, and Chris Heyen, who runs the Red Cove Cafe & Marina at Medina Lake, explore the waters of the lake, which is only 6.5 percent ... more

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

Image 32 of 96

Rain clouds form over Medina Lake, which is about 80 feet below conservation pool due to drought, on Wednesday, April 3, 2013.

Rain clouds form over Medina Lake, which is about 80 feet below conservation pool due to drought, on Wednesday, April 3, 2013.

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

Image 33 of 96

Karen Ripley, a resident of the Medina Lake area, surveys the dry bed of Elm Cove at Medina Lake on Wednesday, April 3, 2013.

Karen Ripley, a resident of the Medina Lake area, surveys the dry bed of Elm Cove at Medina Lake on Wednesday, April 3, 2013.

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

Image 34 of 96

Karen Ripley, a resident of the Medina Lake area, investigates a boat left on the bottom by the receding waters of Elm Cove, a portion of Medina Lake, on Wednesday, April 3, 2013.

Karen Ripley, a resident of the Medina Lake area, investigates a boat left on the bottom by the receding waters of Elm Cove, a portion of Medina Lake, on Wednesday, April 3, 2013.

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

Image 35 of 96

A chair and other debris sit on the dry bottom of Medina Lake at Elm Cove on Wednesday, April 3, 2013.

A chair and other debris sit on the dry bottom of Medina Lake at Elm Cove on Wednesday, April 3, 2013.

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

Image 36 of 96

A field of bluebonnets, at bottom right, graces the dry bottom of Elm Cove of Medina Lake on Wednesday, April 3, 2013.

A field of bluebonnets, at bottom right, graces the dry bottom of Elm Cove of Medina Lake on Wednesday, April 3, 2013.

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

Image 37 of 96

Karen Ripley, a resident of the Medina Lake area, investigates a Jeep that the receding waters have left exposed at Elm Cove on Wednesday, April 3, 2013.

Karen Ripley, a resident of the Medina Lake area, investigates a Jeep that the receding waters have left exposed at Elm Cove on Wednesday, April 3, 2013.

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

Image 38 of 96

The Medina Lake Dam is marked by various water levels throughout its history. The lake is currently 80 feet below conservation pool due to drought. Wednesday, April 3, 2013.

The Medina Lake Dam is marked by various water levels throughout its history. The lake is currently 80 feet below conservation pool due to drought. Wednesday, April 3, 2013.

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

Image 39 of 96

Floating docks rest on the bottom of Medina Lake at Red Cove on Wednesday, April 3, 2013. The lake is at only 6.5 percent of capacity.

Floating docks rest on the bottom of Medina Lake at Red Cove on Wednesday, April 3, 2013. The lake is at only 6.5 percent of capacity.

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

Image 40 of 96

USGS officials measure the bottom of Medina Lake Thursday Nov. 29, 2012 at the base of the dam in an effort to better measure how much water remains in the lake, which was 10.93 percent full on Thursday according to the Texas Water Deelopment Board website www.waterdatafortexas.org. As of Thursday the lake was 68.99 feet below conservation pool. less

USGS officials measure the bottom of Medina Lake Thursday Nov. 29, 2012 at the base of the dam in an effort to better measure how much water remains in the lake, which was 10.93 percent full on Thursday ... more

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 41 of 96

USGS officials measure the bottom of Medina Lake Thursday Nov. 29, 2012 at the base of the dam in an effort to better measure how much water remains in the lake, which was 10.93 percent full on Thursday according to the Texas Water Deelopment Board website www.waterdatafortexas.org. As of Thursday the lake was 68.99 feet below conservation pool. less

USGS officials measure the bottom of Medina Lake Thursday Nov. 29, 2012 at the base of the dam in an effort to better measure how much water remains in the lake, which was 10.93 percent full on Thursday ... more

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 42 of 96

As Medina Lake's water level continues to drop-as of Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 it was 10.93 percent full-items like this boat and car are being exposed.

As Medina Lake's water level continues to drop-as of Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 it was 10.93 percent full-items like this boat and car are being exposed.

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 43 of 96

A still-under-construction home is seen on Medina Lake Thursday Nov. 29, 2012. As of Thursday the lake was 68.99 feet below conservation pool, or 10.93 percent full according to the Texas Water Development Board website www.waterdatafortexas.org. less

A still-under-construction home is seen on Medina Lake Thursday Nov. 29, 2012. As of Thursday the lake was 68.99 feet below conservation pool, or 10.93 percent full according to the Texas Water Development ... more

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 44 of 96

A fence line sits high and dry Thursday Nov. 29, 2012 on a section of the Media Lake lakebed that hasn't been above the water in at least 50 years. As of Thursday the lake was 68.99 feet below conservation pool, or 10.93 percent full according to the Texas Water Development Board website www.waterdatafortexas.org. less

A fence line sits high and dry Thursday Nov. 29, 2012 on a section of the Media Lake lakebed that hasn't been above the water in at least 50 years. As of Thursday the lake was 68.99 feet below conservation ... more

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 45 of 96

USGS officials measure the bottom of Medina Lake Thursday Nov. 29, 2012 at the base of the dam in an effort to better measure how much water remains in the lake, which was 10.93 percent full on Thursday according to the Texas Water Deelopment Board website www.waterdatafortexas.org. As of Thursday the lake was 68.99 feet below conservation pool. less

USGS officials measure the bottom of Medina Lake Thursday Nov. 29, 2012 at the base of the dam in an effort to better measure how much water remains in the lake, which was 10.93 percent full on Thursday ... more

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 46 of 96

Trash lines the shore of Medina Lake Thursday Nov. 29, 2012 next to the spillway side of the dam.

Trash lines the shore of Medina Lake Thursday Nov. 29, 2012 next to the spillway side of the dam.

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 47 of 96

The upper end of Diversion Lake-just below the Medina Lake dam-is seen Tuesday Oct. 23, 2012 as the BMA releases water from Medina Dam. San Antonio Water System requested the release to ensure it has enough water to run its Medina River treatment plant. The Medina dam flood gates had previously been closed since the first week of September to attempt to conserve water. less

The upper end of Diversion Lake-just below the Medina Lake dam-is seen Tuesday Oct. 23, 2012 as the BMA releases water from Medina Dam. San Antonio Water System requested the release to ensure it has enough ... more

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 48 of 96

The upper end of Diversion Lake, just below the Medina Lake dam, is seen looking down river Tuesday Oct. 23, 2012 after the BMA began releasing water from the Medina dam. San Antonio Water System requested the release to ensure it has enough water to run its Medina River treatment plant. The Medina dam flood gates had previously been closed since the first week of September to attempt to conserve water. less

The upper end of Diversion Lake, just below the Medina Lake dam, is seen looking down river Tuesday Oct. 23, 2012 after the BMA began releasing water from the Medina dam. San Antonio Water System requested the ... more

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 49 of 96

The upper end of Diversion Lake, just below the Medina Lake dam, is seen looking up river Tuesday Oct. 23, 2012 after the BMA began releasing water from the Medina dam. San Antonio Water System requested the release to ensure it has enough water to run its Medina River treatment plant. The Medina dam flood gates had previously been closed since the first week of September to attempt to conserve water. less

The upper end of Diversion Lake, just below the Medina Lake dam, is seen looking up river Tuesday Oct. 23, 2012 after the BMA began releasing water from the Medina dam. San Antonio Water System requested the ... more

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 50 of 96

The upper end of Diversion Lake, just below the Medina Lake dam, is seen looking up river Tuesday Oct. 23, 2012 after the BMA began releasing water from the Medina dam. San Antonio Water System requested the release to ensure it has enough water to run its Medina River treatment plant. The Medina dam flood gates had previously been closed since the first week of September to attempt to conserve water. less

The upper end of Diversion Lake, just below the Medina Lake dam, is seen looking up river Tuesday Oct. 23, 2012 after the BMA began releasing water from the Medina dam. San Antonio Water System requested the ... more

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 51 of 96

Two large pieces of equipment that appear to be two of the non-function outlet valves on the Medina Dam that were replaced during recent renovation work, are seen Thursday Sept. 6, 2012 next to the dam.

Two large pieces of equipment that appear to be two of the non-function outlet valves on the Medina Dam that were replaced during recent renovation work, are seen Thursday Sept. 6, 2012 next to the dam.

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 52 of 96

The Medina River is seen Thursday Sept. 6, 2012 as it flows under County Road 2615 north of Castroville. The outlets on Medina Dam were closed by the BMA on Wednesday to conserve water in the lake which stood over 64 feet below normal pool Thursday, according to the Texas Water Development Board's website, making the reservoir only 13.41 percent full. less

The Medina River is seen Thursday Sept. 6, 2012 as it flows under County Road 2615 north of Castroville. The outlets on Medina Dam were closed by the BMA on Wednesday to conserve water in the lake which stood ... more

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 53 of 96

Moss-covered rocks still wet from a slightly higher recent water level are seen Thursday Sept. 6, 2012 on the Medina River at County Road 477 just north of Castroville. The outlets on Medina Dam were closed by the BMA on Wednesday to conserve water in the lake which stood over 64 feet below normal pool Thursday, according to the Texas Water Development Board's website, making the reservoir only 13.41 percent full. less

Moss-covered rocks still wet from a slightly higher recent water level are seen Thursday Sept. 6, 2012 on the Medina River at County Road 477 just north of Castroville. The outlets on Medina Dam were closed by ... more

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 54 of 96

Diversion Lake just south of the Medina Dam is seen Thursday Sept. 6, 2012. The outlets on Medina Dam were closed by the BMA on Wednesday to conserve water in Medina Lake which stood over 64 feet below normal pool Thursday, according to the Texas Water Development Board's website, making the reservoir only 13.41 percent full. less

Diversion Lake just south of the Medina Dam is seen Thursday Sept. 6, 2012. The outlets on Medina Dam were closed by the BMA on Wednesday to conserve water in Medina Lake which stood over 64 feet below normal ... more

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 55 of 96

The Diversion Lake portion of the Medina River just down stream from Medina Dam is seen Thursday Sept. 6, 2012. The outlets on Medina Dam were closed by the BMA on Wednesday to conserve water in Medina Lake which stood over 64 feet below normal pool Thursday, according to the Texas Water Development Board's website, making the reservoir only 13.41 percent full. less

The Diversion Lake portion of the Medina River just down stream from Medina Dam is seen Thursday Sept. 6, 2012. The outlets on Medina Dam were closed by the BMA on Wednesday to conserve water in Medina Lake ... more

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 56 of 96

Medina Lake is seen Wednesday Aug. 29, 2012. The Texas Water Development Board reported Wednesday, via its website, the lake is 13.88 percent full and is 63.34 feet below normal pool elevation.

Medina Lake is seen Wednesday Aug. 29, 2012. The Texas Water Development Board reported Wednesday, via its website, the lake is 13.88 percent full and is 63.34 feet below normal pool elevation.

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 57 of 96

A back hoe stands on top of Medina Lake dam Wednesday Aug. 29, 2012. The Texas Water Development Board reported Wednesday, via its website, the lake is 13.88 percent full and is 63.34 feet below normal pool elevation. less

A back hoe stands on top of Medina Lake dam Wednesday Aug. 29, 2012. The Texas Water Development Board reported Wednesday, via its website, the lake is 13.88 percent full and is 63.34 feet below normal pool ... more

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 58 of 96

Boat docks once floating over deep water are stranded high and dry Wednesday Aug. 29, 2012 on Medina Lake. The Texas Water Development Board reported Wednesday, via its website, the lake is 13.88 percent full and is 63.34 feet below normal pool elevation. less

Boat docks once floating over deep water are stranded high and dry Wednesday Aug. 29, 2012 on Medina Lake. The Texas Water Development Board reported Wednesday, via its website, the lake is 13.88 percent full ... more

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 59 of 96

Boat docks once floating over deep water are stranded high and dry Wednesday Aug. 29, 2012 on Medina Lake. The Texas Water Development Board reported Wednesday, via its website, the lake is 13.88 percent full and is 63.34 feet below normal pool elevation. less

Boat docks once floating over deep water are stranded high and dry Wednesday Aug. 29, 2012 on Medina Lake. The Texas Water Development Board reported Wednesday, via its website, the lake is 13.88 percent full ... more

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 60 of 96

Medina Lake is seen Wednesday Aug. 29, 2012. The Texas Water Development Board reported Wednesday, via its website, the lake is 13.88 percent full and is 63.34 feet below normal pool elevation.

Medina Lake is seen Wednesday Aug. 29, 2012. The Texas Water Development Board reported Wednesday, via its website, the lake is 13.88 percent full and is 63.34 feet below normal pool elevation.

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Image 61 of 96

A house that once stood close to the water's edge on Medina Lake now stands Wednesday Aug. 29, 2012 over 60 feet above a still-shrinking lake. The Texas Water Development Board reported Wednesday, via its website, the lake is 13.88 percent full and is 63.34 feet below normal pool elevation. less

A house that once stood close to the water's edge on Medina Lake now stands Wednesday Aug. 29, 2012 over 60 feet above a still-shrinking lake. The Texas Water Development Board reported Wednesday, via its ... more